Untitled Document

For Immediate Release
January 11, 2008

Contact: Todd Elliott, Director
Adult Literacy & ESOL Program
410-261-3520
telliott@greaterhomewood.org

GHCC Adult Literacy & ESOL Program Holds Seventh Annual Scrabble® Fundraiser for Literacy

Baltimore, MD: Play one of America’s most popular games for a good cause at the Seventh Annual Scrabble® Fundraiser for Literacy on Saturday, April 5 at Calvert School (4300 N. Charles Street) at 6 p.m.

Entry is $30 ($20 for students with ID and seniors aged 62 and over). Proceeds will benefit adult literacy and ESOL classes at the Greater Homewood Community Corporation (GHCC).

Games will be offered at both “competitive” and “social” levels. Winners will receive prizes from local retailers and restaurants. Food, refreshments, and free parking are available for all participants.

“What better fit than playing a game of Scrabble® to help the cause of literacy?” says Todd Elliott, Director of Adult Literacy & ESOL at GHCC. “There is a tremendous need in Baltimore City to address the low literacy levels of adults. So much time and attention is paid to public school children – what about their parents? Greater Homewood Adult Literacy & ESOL is working every day to increase the abilities of our adult neighbors who can’t read, can’t do basic math, or can’t speak English. And to support us we hope folks have a fun time playing one of the most popular games in the world!”

An estimated 32% of adults in Baltimore City have not completed a twelfth-grade education, one of the lowest rates of high school graduation in the country. The Greater Homewood Adult Literacy & ESOL Program annually provides more than 300 adult learners and non-native English speakers with professionally trained and supervised tutors and instructors. Its mission is to provide quality learner-centered instruction to promote literacy and help foreign-born residents improve English language skills, thereby increasing adults’ abilities to contribute to their families, work places, and communities in the Baltimore area.

To register, make a donation, or get information about the Greater Homewood Adult Literacy & ESOL Program, please call (410) 261-3520.